When two parties enter into a contract, they are bound to fulfill the terms and conditions agreed upon. However, in certain circumstances, the contract may be discharged, which means that both parties are released from their obligations under the contract. Discharge of contract is an important concept in the field of business law, and it is essential for business owners to understand the various ways in which a contract can be discharged.

1. Performance: The most common way a contract is discharged is through performance. This means that both parties have fulfilled their obligations under the contract and have completed their part of the deal. Once the terms of the contract have been met, the contract is considered discharged.

2. Breach: If either party fails to fulfill its obligations under the contract, it is considered a breach of contract. The other party then has the right to terminate the contract and seek damages for any losses incurred as a result of the breach.

3. Agreement: The parties may mutually agree to discharge the contract. This can be done through a written agreement that outlines the terms of the discharge. Both parties must agree to the terms of the discharge for it to be valid.

4. Frustration: Sometimes, events occur that make it impossible to fulfill the terms of the contract. This is known as frustration of contract. For example, if a contractor agrees to build a house, but the house burns down before it is completed, it would be impossible to fulfill the terms of the contract. In such cases, the contract is considered frustrated, and both parties are released from their obligations.

5. Illegality: If the performance of the contract becomes illegal due to changes in the law, the contract is considered discharged. For example, if a contract is made to sell an illegal substance, such as drugs or weapons, the contract would be illegal and therefore discharged.

In summary, there are five main ways in which a contract can be discharged: through performance, breach, agreement, frustration, and illegality. It is crucial for business owners to be aware of these different ways of discharging a contract to ensure that their rights and obligations are protected. By understanding these concepts, business owners can ensure that their contracts are legally binding, and any disputes can be resolved in a fair and timely manner.